Before you bring or mail goods to Australia for your use or the use of family and friends check that it is allowed into Australia. For detailed import conditions for all products visit the
Biosecurity Import Conditions system (BICON).

If you wish to bring or mail commercial goods to Australia please refer to the
import section.

Declare it

When travelling to Australia you will be provided with an Incoming Passenger Card by the crew on your aircraft or cruise vessel. This is a legal document. You must mark YES on your card to declare if you are carrying certain food, plant material or animal items. You can take these declared goods with you to the clearance point where they will be assessed by a Department of Agriculture biosecurity officer and may be inspected. Alternatively, you can voluntarily dispose of food, plant material or animal items in bins located in the terminal.

When you send mail to Australia, you must accurately declare the contents of your package on the postal declaration label.

Check what you can bring or mail to Australia

Click on the item you would like to bring or mail to Australia. Please note that this list includes only the most common enquires. If the product you want to bring isn’t listed below check
BICON.

Coffee

Coffee is permitted into Australia for personal use if it is in one of the following forms:

roasted, ground or instant coffee (up to 10 kilograms)

roasted coffee beans (up to 10 kilograms)

green coffee beans (up to 5 kilograms).

The coffee must be in clean and new packaging and free from live insects and other contamination.

Kopi Luwak/Civet coffee, including whole beans, ground or for instant use, is allowed into Australia if:

the beans, or the beans from which the product is made, have been roasted

the product is commercially prepared and packaged

the product is imported in an amount up to 1 kilogram

the product is for the personal consumption of the person wishing to import it.

Fish (excluding salmon or trout)

Canned, smoked or dried fish products are permitted if they:

are for the personal consumption of the person wishing to import it

are eviscerated (gills and guts removed), or processed further than evisceration

OR

are for the personal consumption of the person wishing to import it

are shelf stable (do not require refrigeration).

Fresh non salmonid fish products are permitted if they:

are accompanied into Australia by the person importing it

imported in an amount up to 5 kilograms

are eviscerated (gills and guts removed), or processed further than evisceration

are for human consumption only.

For unaccompanied consignments (including by international mail) and consignments of greater than 5 kilograms, please refer to
BICON.

Please note that these conditions are for
human consumption only. If the fish is being used for aquaculture, bait or animal food, an import permit may be required, please refer to
BICON.

Fish (salmonid species including salmon and trout)

Canned salmon products

Personal import of commercially manufactured and retorted salmon products is permitted. The products must be in cans, jars or retort pouches and must not require refrigeration or freezing to maintain quality.

Retorted means heated in an unopened hermetically sealed container for a time, and to a temperature, by superheated steam under pressure, sufficient to render the contents commercially sterile.

Hermetically sealed means airtight; completely sealed from the atmosphere, so that when sealed it does not allow microorganisms or any other material to enter it.

These products will be subject to inspection to ensure that they are commercially manufactured and retorted. Canned salmon products that do not comply with the above requirements will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Uncanned salmon

Uncanned salmon is permitted if it is:

consumer-ready (except roe or caviar)

commercially prepared and packaged

imported in an amount up to 5 kilograms if accompanied into Australia by the person importing it, or up to 450 grams if brought in as an unaccompanied import (e.g. products sent by post or courier).

Consumer-ready product is a product that is ready for the householder to cook/consume and includes:

cutlets, including the central bone and external skin but excluding fins, each cutlet weighing no more than 450 grams

skinless fillets, excluding the belly flap and all bone except the pin bones, of any weight

skin-on fillets, excluding the belly flap and all bone except the pin bones, each fillet weighing no more than 450 grams

eviscerated, headless ‘pan-size’ fish, each fish weighing no more than 450 grams

fish that is headless and eviscerated which has been salted, dried or smoked

product that is processed further than all of the stages above.

Honey products

Honey products are permitted into most Australian states and territories. Honey products must be inspected by a Department of Agriculture biosecurity officer on arrival, to confirm the honey items are free from contamination.

Items that do not meet these conditions will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Western Australia currently has a higher quarantine status for bees and bee products. Honey or bee products imported into Western Australia must meet Western Australia state quarantine entry requirements. For more information contact the
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia. Passengers arriving at ports outside of Western Australia should be aware that Western Australia has state quarantine entry requirements which will also apply should they travel domestically to Western Australia.

Human breast milk

Breast milk is permitted if it is for the personal use of infants under the care of the person wishing to import the breast milk in quantities no greater than 10 litres or 10 kilograms.

Individual beverage sachets (3 in 1)

Dairy based beverages with coffee, tea or flavouring are permitted into Australia for personal use, if the product is:

commercially manufactured and packaged

the commercial package has not been opened or broken

shelf stable (does not require refrigeration)

for instant use

imported in an amount up to 10 kilograms.

Multiple individual sachets are permitted within a larger package, if each sachet in the larger package is an individual serving.

Infant formula

Infant formula is allowed into Australia for personal use. It must be commercially prepared and packaged and list the country of manufacture on the packaging. The quantity allowed into Australia will depend on the country of manufacture.

If the infant formula is manufactured in an
approved FMD-free country, you may bring up to 10 kilograms or 10 litres for personal use, either in passenger luggage or as unaccompanied baggage or by international mail.

For infant formula manufactured in a country that is not on the approved FMD-free country list, you may bring:

up to 10 kilograms or 10 litres if accompanied by an infant

up to 5 kilograms or 5 litres if not accompanied by an infant

Up to 1 kilogram or 1 litre for unaccompanied goods (e.g. goods sent by international mail).

Juice and soft drink

Fruit and vegetable juices and soft drinks are allowed into Australia if they are commercially prepared and packaged and
shelf stable (do not require refrigeration).

plastic containers that have heat sealed lids or lids closed by a double seam (excludes those with snap or plastic lids)

aseptic cartons e.g. tetra paks®

retort pouches.

Maple syrup

Maple syrup is allowed into Australia.

Meat items

Canned meat products

Personal import of commercially manufactured and retorted meat products is permitted. The products must be in cans, jars or retort pouches and must be shelf stable (not require refrigeration or freezing to maintain quality).

Retorted means heated in an unopened hermetically sealed container for a time, and to a temperature, by superheated steam under pressure, sufficient to render the contents commercially sterile.

Hermetically sealed means airtight; completely sealed from the atmosphere, so that when sealed it does not allow microorganisms or any other material to enter it.

These products will be subject to inspection to ensure that commercially manufactured and retorted. Canned meat products that do not comply with the above requirements will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Oil

Vegetable and seed oils (includes Peanut, Safflower, Linseed, Olive & Cotton seed oils) are allowed into Australia. The goods must be clean and free of contaminant seed, soil, and animal or plant debris prior to arrival in Australian territory.

Pet food and treats

All pet food, treats and chews made from, or containing, animal or plant derived material, require an import permit. There are no small quantity or personal pet exemptions. Examples of products that require an import permit include rawhide chews, pigs’ ears, biscuits, kibble, canned pet food, jerky strips and ‘chocolate’ drops for pets. Products that are not accompanied by a valid import permit will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Note: Pet toys made from nylon, rubber or plastic are permitted into Australia without an import permit. For more information please see
BICON.

Prawns

Uncooked prawns

The importation of uncooked prawns is not permitted unless strict import conditions are met. All uncooked prawns require an import permit.

Cooked prawns

Cooked prawns must be accompanied by a specific health certificate issued by the competent authority of the country of origin stating:

The prawns have been cooked in premises in the exporting country that are approved by and under the control of the competent authority of the exporting country

As a result of the cooking process all the protein in the prawn meat has coagulated and no raw prawn meat remains.

For details regarding the format of the health certificate accompanying the imported cooked prawns and lists of competent authorities of exporting countries please refer to
BICON.

If you do not have the correct documents the prawns will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Dried prawns/shrimp and shelf stable prawn based food products

Personal imports of dried prawns are allowed into Australia. The dried prawns must be inspected by a biosecurity officer on arrival to ensure they are dried and free from live insects, soil and other contamination. If the items are not dried or are contaminated, they will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Shelf stable prawn based food products are permitted. Products may be inspected upon arrival to ensure they are shelf stable (do not require refrigeration).

For items that do not meet the above requirements an
import permit must be obtained prior to importation.

*Canned/aseptically packaged includes any item that has been commercially heat treated to make the contents sterile.

The product must be shelf stable (not requiring refrigeration) for a minimum of six months.

Container types may include:

metal cans

glass jars or bottles with ‘twist off’ lids or caps

plastic containers that have heat sealed lids or lids closed by a double seam (excludes those with snap or plastic lids)

retort pouches

thermoform-fill-seal containers, plastic cans, pouches or bags.

Each item will be inspected to check that it meets these conditions.

If the product does not comply with the conditions above it will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Red dates (Ziziphus, Chinese, or Indian dates, Jujube)

Red dates are not permitted, unless the following import conditions are met:

the dates must not contain seeds (deseeded) and no seeds in the package

the full botanical name must be provided on a label or invoice (e.g. Ziziphus ziziphus)

the products must be thoroughly dried

the products must be packed in clean and new packaging that is unopened

each package will be inspected to ensure no biosecurity risk material is present.

If the product does not comply with the conditions above it will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Rice

White rice (including arborio, basmati, calrose and jasmine rice) is permitted without an import permit. The rice must be inspected by a biosecurity officer to confirm that it is free from viable grain, live insects, other seeds, soil, disease symptoms and other biosecurity risk.

Brown rice is not permitted unless accompanied by a valid import permit.

Sauces

The sauce or paste must be commercially cooked, shelf stable (able to be kept at room temperature for at least 6 months) and enclosed in hermetically sealed containers such as:

metal cans

glass jars or bottles with ‘twist off’ lids or caps

plastic containers that have heat sealed lids or lids closed by a double seam (excludes those with snap off plastic lids)

aseptic cartons

retort pouches.

All plant ingredients and seasonings are permitted in these products. For products containing animal-derived ingredients identify the ingredients and then check the specific import conditions for the ingredient on
BICON.

Seafood (not including prawns or shrimp)

Oysters in full/half shell from all countries (excluding New Zealand)

Oysters in full or half shell from all countries (excluding New Zealand) are not permitted to be imported into Australia.

Oysters in half shell from New Zealand

An import permit is not required to import oysters in half shell from New Zealand.

The consignment must be inspected to confirm that the oysters are in a half shell (not full shell) and free from contamination and infestation. Consignments that meet these conditions will be released.

Oysters that are found to be in full shell or are not free from contamination and infestation will be destroyed.

Oyster - meat only

Commercially prepared and packaged oysters (shell not attached and meat only) are allowed into Australia. Items must be inspected by a biosecurity officer to verify they contain oyster meat only.

Mussels, abalone, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, crabs and lobsters are allowed into Australia for personal use. They must be inspected by a biosecurity officer to ensure they are dead, clean and free from material such as plant materials, snails, oysters or other contamination.

If items are found to be contaminated or potentially viable, they will be destroyed.

Spices

Dried, ground spices and spice mixes are allowed into Australia if they meet the following import requirements:

the spices must be made from dried and ground plant material and must not contain ingredients of animal, microbial or fungal origin

each consignment must be packed in clean and new packaging

the goods must be clean and free of contaminant seed, soil, animal and plant debris and other
biosecurity risk material prior to arrival in Australian territory

following inspection and provided all of the above conditions have been met, the consignment may be released from biosecurity control by a biosecurity officer.

If the spices do not comply with the conditions above it will be treated, exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Tea and dried herbs

Plain black or green teas and plain black or green teas with flavouring

These teas are allowed into Australia from any country if the tea is in clean and new packaging (unopened) and free of live insects and other contamination.

Herbal tea bags

Herbal tea bags are allowed into Australia if:

they are commercially prepared, packaged and labelled

the tea contains ingredients of plant origin only

all material in the tea is thoroughly dried

the weight of each product (blend) within the consignment is no greater than 1 kilogram per blend.

For consignments containing fungi (dried mushrooms) including Ganoderma, Poriacocos and Cordyceps, refer to the BICON case
Mushrooms for human consumption.

If you are importing tea with animal, other fungal or microbial products, you must search
BICON for each individual ingredient to determine the conditions that apply.

Dried herbs (including ginseng and saffron) and loose herbal teas

Commercially prepared and packaged loose herbal teas and dried herbs (including leaves, spices, roots and crushed nut shells) are allowed into Australia if they only contain finely chopped ingredients of plant origin and weigh no more than 1 kilogram.

Herbal teas and dried herbs that contain seeds that are not on the
permitted seeds list, unidentified seeds, insects or soil, will be treated, exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Vitamins, supplements and therapeutics for human use

Vitamins, supplements and therapeutics for human use are allowed into Australia if the product is:

for human use—this may be supported by item labelling, an accompanying brochure, internet printout or a letter from a doctor

brought to Australia by the person who intends to use it

commercially prepared and packaged in the form of capsules, tablets, vials for injection, liquid, powder, ointment, this includes commercially packaged probiotics, e.g. Lactobacillus, Bacillus subtilis and Bifidobacterium spp.

brought in a quantity of no more than three months’ supply*.

*Three months’ supply can be determined by:

label dosage advice

a letter in English from a medical practitioner, naturopath or alternative health provider

a statutory declaration by the importer stating that the item is for personal use only and is less than three months’ supply.

If an item does not meet all of the above conditions it will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Souvenirs, household items and collectables

[expand all]

Animal horns, teeth or bones

Animal horns, teeth or bones are allowed into Australia if they are clean and free from contamination with seed, soil and animal or plant debris.

If contamination is found on the items they will be treated, exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Animal horns or bones may be subject to
Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy control under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Items known to be or considered to be covered by CITES will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs on arrival in Australia.

Cosmetics (including soap and hair care products)

Cosmetic products are allowed into Australia if they are commercially manufactured and packaged and for the personal use of the person wishing to import the item. You may bring up to 10 kilograms or 10 litres for personal use.

Cosmetics other than those listed above may require an import permit. Tax free limits do apply to the import of goods into Australia. Please contact the
Department of Home Affairs.

Feathers (including down jackets, sleeping bags, pillows and quilts)

Feathers and items containing feathers are allowed into Australia from any country if they are manufactured feather items for personal use. You may bring up to 10 feather articles as a personal import. Feather articles that do not meet these requirements will be treated, exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Beeswax

Beeswax products (including beeswax wraps, candles and furniture polish) are allowed into Australia for personal use. Beeswax products must be inspected to verify they are clean and free from insects, seeds or other contamination. The products must be clearly identifiable.

Beeswax products that do not meet these requirements will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Fishing, hiking and sports equipment

Recreational and sporting equipment that has been used outside Australia can contain harmful diseases (e.g. Foot and Mouth) or invasive freshwater pests (e.g. Didymosphenia geminata also known as Didymo).

Fishing gear (including rods, reels and tackle), camping and sporting equipment is allowed into Australia. All equipment must be clean and dry when it arrives in Australia. Before travelling to Australia be sure to clean your equipment thoroughly to remove any:

Fur, leather hides or skin

Leather goods, hides, furs and skins that have been effectively and fully tanned are allowed into Australia. This includes items such as animal skin (leather) purses, shoes, wallets and belts.

Animal skin floor mats must be inspected to confirm that the item is fully tanned and to ensure they are free from contamination (e.g. animal tissue, soil, feathers, insects, seeds, bark).

Rawhide items are permitted if they are for personal use only and are free from adhering
animal tissue, other contamination or evidence of decay. You may bring up to 10 rawhide articles as a personal import. Rawhide items must be inspected on arrival to confirm they meet these requirements.

If an item does not meet the above conditions it must be treated, exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Hides and fur may be subject to
Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy control under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Items known to be or considered to be covered by CITES will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs on arrival in Australia.

Seashells, sand, rocks or fossils

Seashells (excluding oyster shells), sand, rocks and fossils are allowed into Australia if they are free from insects, soil, and animal and plant material. The items must be inspected on arrival to ensure they are free from infestation and contamination.

If items do not meet these import conditions they must be treated, exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

If the goods are identified as soil, an import permit will be required, refer to
BICON.

Some seashells (e.g. Queen Conch) may be subject to
Australian Government Department of Environment and Energy control under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Items known to be or considered to be covered by CITES will be referred to the Department of Home Affairs on arrival in Australia.

If the seeds require an import permit from the Department of Agriculture, the sender must sight a copy of the import permit to ensure that they can meet the conditions for sending seeds to Australia and include a copy of the permit in the consignment.

For information about the specific seeds you wish to bring to Australia refer to
BICON. This system lists the import conditions under which various commodities may be brought into Australia. Using the BICON search facility, enter the botanical or common name of the seeds, then click "search" and the BICON database will return the results. If an import permit is required, or if any other specific conditions apply, BICON will specify this.

Seeds that do not meet the Department of Agriculture import requirements will be exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Live plants

Most live plants must not be imported to Australia unless the importer has a valid import permit from the Department of Agriculture.

Read more about import permits and view import conditions including documentation requirements and post entry quarantine periods for
live plants.

Wooden items

Wooden items are allowed into Australia if they are free from bark, insects and signs of insect damage (such as borer holes) or any other contamination. To check for insect damage look closely at wooden items for holes and sawdust. Wooden items must be declared on arrival and inspected.

Wooden items that do not meet these import conditions will be treated, exported or destroyed at the importer’s expense.

Unique or exotic pets

If you are looking to purchase a unique or exotic animal, such as a pet reptile, insect or amphibian from outside Australia, visit
Unique or exotic pets.

Import permits

You can apply for an import permit by submitting an
application to Department of Agriculture. Please note there are fees associated with applying for an import permit and applying does not automatically result in an import permit being issued.

As of 9 April 2018, the department will no longer facilitate the clearance of conditionally non-prohibited goods that arrive without the required import permit. Therefore, goods that require a permit, but arrive without one, including where an application is currently under consideration, will be directed for export from Australian territory or required to be destroyed in an approved manner.

Civil or criminal penalties may apply for importing goods into Australia without an import permit.

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.